The Erie County Department of Senior Services has announced an upcoming Falls Prevention Seminar Series that brings together a panel of experts to discuss falls, their causes, identifying home hazards and ways to improve balance, and other falls prevention topics with area seniors. The six-person panel will present informative sessions at the Schiller Park Senior Center on September 22, the East Aurora Senior Center on October 19, and the Clarence Senior Center on November 16. Each event will include a Stay Fit Dining noontime meal.

“The Falls Prevention Seminar Series is free and open to all and will provide excellent information for area seniors and their caregivers. Participants will gain knowledge they can put right to use on ways to avoid falls, improve balance, and even on rehab at home following a fall,” said Commissioner of Senior Services Timothy Hogues. “Having this knowledge is essential for seniors to maintain quality of life and prevent falls. We are bringing the Seminar Series to senior centers around Erie County in order to make this information available to as many seniors as possible, and we encourage as many seniors as possible to attend.”

Presenters for the Falls Prevention Seminar Series include: Beth Moses, R.N., who will discuss identifying hazards in the home and corrective steps that can be taken; Lisa Rood, Master Coach for Matter of Balance, an evidence-based program that works to decrease falling risks; Richard Derwald, Coordinator of the Erie County Senior Fitness Program, who will demonstrate exercises specifically designed to strengthen the legs to prevent falling; Robert G. Wahler Jr., Pharm. D. CPE and Clinical Asst. Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, who will present information on medications that increase the risk of falling and offer strategies to reduce risks; David May, Physical Therapist, who will give an overview on the main causes for balance problems and explain various assistive devices that can make mobility safer; and Suzanne Desfosses-Gilliam, Owner of Touching Hearts at Home, who will teach about rehab at home following a disabling fall.

Doors will open at 9:00 AM for the Schiller Park and Clarence Seminars and at noon for the East Aurora event, with information on Erie County Senior programs available to all participants. Each speaker will be available to answer questions following their presentation. In addition, pharmacy students from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy will be at each event to review participant’s medication compatibilities and identify potential combinations that may contribute to a fall; pre-registration is required for this service.